Teofimo Lopez vs. George Kambosos Jr. - to fight or to jaw

Particulars: Saturday, November 27 at Madison Square Garden’s ‘Hulu’ Theatre, New York, NY (DAZN). It’s Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez vs. George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos, Jr. Lightweights – three belts on the line.

Background: October 18, 2020, the day after Teófimo Andrés López Rivera Jr. shockingly upset High-Tech Lomachenko, must have been a day such as we all enjoy (I hope) at least a few times in life. When you own the day and not the other way around. Beating the Ukrainian wizard - suddenly the world was Teo’s oyster, his potential, unlimited. Life must have seemed like a sandy white beach – forever - to the likeable and tremendously talented kid from Brooklyn.

A bit more than 13 months later – pandemic aside – it didn’t stop Canelo Alvarez from fighting three times in 2021 – Lopez is still as likeable and talented. But the young dude needs to fight. His team say he only made 600K vs. Lomachenko and Teo now has a mansion. To maintain that sucker and his family etc., means earning. I sure hope he fights three times in 2022. Four preferred – but that’s about as likely Don King being made a saint of the Catholic Church. I’m good with three.

My extended list of fighters as interested in dominating social media as much as the ring, spans divisions! At Lightweight, this list includes Ryan Garcia and sadly, Devin Haney, who I just don’t think is that interested in fighting, at least not yet, Lopez. For now, Lopez is free and clear of this roll call of fools.

Fighter’s Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)

Teofimo Lopez: B+ B+ A- B- B+ B+ B+ Total: B+ (3.3)

George Kambosos, Jr. B- B- B B- B- B B- Total: B- (2.8)

Reality Check: Leaving out ‘L’ neither Kambosos nor Lopez have tremendous resumes. BUT – the ‘L’ factor, facing Lomachenko, much less winning, gives Lopez’ resume instant ‘oomph.’ And that came in only his fifteenth professional fight. Kambosos has only 19 fights at age 28. Given his comp, he’s been matched way too lightly.

So what does Kambosos have to do to back up his promise to destroy Lopez? Pray that Lopez has an injury, an off-night, a stomach ache and hasn’t slept in a week. All four combined. Because, says here, he has no real chance.

What does Kambosos do well? He can hit a bit. He has good boxing fundamentals. He’s essentially a counterpuncher but who can come forward. But mind you, when he came forward in the past it was not against a fearsome headhunter like Lopez. My guess is he’ll wait to counterpunch exclusively, hoping for a defensive lapse which in my opinion will never come. Like the lapse that Lomachenko found in the latter stages of a fight he was losing when he badly hurt Teo. As Loma learned though, Teofimo’s toughness and heart match his vast skills.

Other strikes against Kambosos, include - while he’s a good enough puncher, his punches must land when his opponent is on the very end of them. In other words, Kambosos has to have full arm extension on each shot. No way Teofimo will position himself on the exact end of anyone’s punches, where they have maximum power.

The other issue is that Kambosos has to reset to throw combinations. He’s quick enough to potshot, yes. But he may as well have another tattoo (to add to what must be thirty) that reads: “Notice to opponents. When I reset, it means I’m about to throw busy combinations.”

I’ll mention one maybe deliberate design flaw about Teo, which is that he carries his left way down by his waist. But it’s part of setting up his punches and he is acutely aware of distance so he’s unlikely to get caught. Actually, he moves his left arm up and down from the top of his beltline to a standard guard. Could someone time it? Not unless his name is Lomachenko or Crawford, in my opinion.

Teo is probably tied with Loma and second to Bud Crawford in the boxing-as-chess sweepstakes. Teo is quick and athletic, knows the game back-to-front and has fantastic footwork. Lomachenko is as good in every category but lost. Why? Because Teo wasn’t kidding when he said he’d be ready for anything Lomachenko pulled. Besides one dangerous lapse – which required his heart of a lion to get through, Lopez outsmarted Lomachenko all night, which was astounding.

New comers to boxing often say “why didn’t he do this, why doesn’t he just hook?” Etc. The reason is most boxers just can’t. Boxing is not like other sports. To be honest, most fighters would do just fine without a coach in their corner. Only the greatest, Lennox, Crawford, Teo – to name three, can take corner advice and put it in play. This is why our sport’s cliché, “ring generalship” is actually true – but only for the greatest. A great ring general in boxing like Lopez will see everything Kambosos does a mile away. Then, it’s curtains for the Australian.

The fun-loving Lopez is great for the sport. It was hilarious in a ‘pull-down’ prank, to see a terrified ‘civilian’ a detractor, a hater, pee his pants until Teo explained it was all a televised joke. He loves to jaw with the best of them.

Lopez’ hobby, I was happy to hear – is writing in his journal. I sure hope he writes “Dear God, get me three great opponents in 2022.” Because the danger for someone this young and good is he’ll wither and end up jawing more than fighting. Or – move up in weight where he may be much less effective. Or lose focus (credible reports have him knocked out, not down, out in sparring – hey it happens. But it better not keep happening).

Fight and Prediction: Teofimo Lopez KO George Kambosos, Jr. 5-6.